THE DAIRY GAME: CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL PRACTICES IN PREGNANCY AND LABOUR

Christian spiritual practices can provide comfort, strength, and guidance during pregnancy and labor.
Here are some ways to incorporate Christian spirituality into this special

1. Daily prayer: Set aside time each day to pray for your baby, your health, and your labor experience.
   "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

2. Prayer journaling: Write down your prayers, thoughts, and feelings to reflect on throughout your pregnancy.
   "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

3. Prayer chains: Ask friends and family to pray for you and your baby during pregnancy and labor.
   "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)

1. Bible study: Study scriptures related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting to gain spiritual insight and guidance.
   "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of theÿ heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

2. Verse memorization: Memorize encouraging scriptures to meditate on during pregnancy and labor.:
   "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11)

3. Guided meditation: Use guided meditation apps or videos that incorporate scripture and prayer to help you relax and focus.
   "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10)

1. Worship music: Listen to uplifting worship music that brings you joy and comfort.
   "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day." (Psalm 96:1-2)

2. Praise and thanksgiving: "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." (Psalm 100:4)

3. Sing hymns and choruses: Singing hymns and choruses can be a powerful way to express your faith and trust in God during pregnancy and labor.
   "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." (Colossians 3:16)

1. Intercessory prayer: Ask others to pray and intercede on your behalf for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.
   "Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (James 5:16)

1. Anointing with oil: Consider being anointed with oil by a spiritual leader or prayer partner, symbolizing God's blessing and protection.
   "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord." (James 5:14)
2. Blessing of the womb: Some Christian traditions practice a blessing of the womb, asking God to bless and protect the unborn baby.
   The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)
3. Pastoral covering and Impartation
   Be under your pastor's guidance and seek counsel as need arise
   "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."Jer. 3:15

1. Birth prayer: Write a prayer or create a prayer card to focus on during labor.
   Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)
2. Birth scripture: Choose a scripture to meditate on during labor, such as Psalm 23 or Isaiah 40:31.

1. Prayer partner: Identify a prayer partner or spiritual support person to pray with and support you during pregnancy and labor.
   Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)
2. Christian birth community: Connect with a Christian birth community or online forum for support, encouragement, and prayer.
   Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Make holy covenants with God with sincere expectations
"Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." PSA. 50:14-15